SPECIAL EVENT | Rochester Twilight Criterium

Tens of thousands of people will head downtown this weekend to watch hundreds of racers speed through the city by bicycle and, new this year, by foot. The Rochester Twilight Criterium will have a few other new features as well, including a beer garden that takes over the interior of the course — which stretches one mile around downtown, most of which takes place on East Broad Street and Court Street.

A criterium is not your typical bicycle road race. It's a one-day circuit race, more technically challenging due to an increased number of turns and a decrease in length. The Rochester Twilight Criterium will feature several races throughout the day, with its biggest race — the Pro-1 Men's 100 minute race — beginning at 8:30 p.m. Don't worry about packing a dinner; a food truck rodeo will be set up on South Avenue, right next to the finish line.

The Twilight Criterium will be hosted downtown with races starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 19. For a map of the course, suggestions of the best places for spectators, and a full schedule of events, visit rochestercrit.com.